South Korea vs South Korea — 1996 vs 2021
| Tiburon FX (RD) | Kona N Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 140 hp | 276 hp |
| Torque | 131 lb-ft | 289 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,975 cc | 1,998 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.0 sec | 5.1 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 149 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.0 sec | 13.7 sec |
| Weight | — | 3,329 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,475 mm | 2,600 mm |
| Length | 4,323 mm | 4,215 mm |
| Original MSRP | — | $35,545 |
| Value (Excellent) | $8,000 | $38,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 4/10 |
| Rarity | 3/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1996 Hyundai Tiburon FX (RD) brings stronger collectibility, better value to the table, and the 2021 Hyundai Kona N Performance answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Hyundai has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1996 Hyundai Tiburon FX (RD) with the 2021 Hyundai Kona N Performance highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 2021 Hyundai Kona N Performance holds a clear advantage in raw power with 276 hp compared to 140 hp, a 136-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Hyundai Tiburon uses a Inline-4 DOHC 16V displacing 1,975 cc, while the Hyundai Kona N relies on a Inline-4 Turbo DOHC 16V with 1,998 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2021 Hyundai Kona N Performance edges ahead at 5.1 seconds versus 8.0 seconds. On the collector market, the 2021 Hyundai Kona N Performance commands a significant premium over the 1996 Hyundai Tiburon FX (RD), reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.